Sailing around the world, discovering new places, peoples and amazing things.....

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Day 43 At Sea

As predicted the weather today wasn’t all that great. I did however get about 4 hours out in the sun. OK, so I was the only person that ventured out. That doesn’t make me obsessive…. Does it? I saw the Hotel Manager this morning and he asked to have a chat with me regarding my recent blog comments. I went to his office and I believe we had a good exchange. I believe he, and hopefully HAL, understand where I am coming from. I did find out during the course of our discussion that, unbeknownst to me, they in fact have Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream on board and at lunch I had my favorite, Caramel Cone…. Yeah!!!!! I am certainly happy that someone from HAL took an interest in what I had to say. I feel a little better today or perhaps more hopeful for the future.... Hopefully he will pass my comments on to Seattle. I hope my comments can make a difference in future Grand Voyage experiences. Tomorrow we arrive into Melbourne at around 0830. I am going for the wildlife again. I hope you are not bored with Aussie wildlife photos….. Here is a description of the tour: In the Wild! Kangaroos & KoalasExperience majestic, native Australian animals in their natural environment on this eco-tour which show-cases the wildlife and wonders of the Australian bush. Travel across the Westgate Bridge with wonderful views across the city of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Head across the broad grasslands of the great Western Plains and into an exclusive Open- Range Sanctuary set against the beautiful backdrop of the Brisbane Ranges. Spend the first part of your tour in the famous grasslands and around the billabongs of Serendip Sanctuary, in the company of hundreds of wild kangaroos, dozens of emus and many species of birds. Your knowledgeable naturalist guide will share with you the habits and habitats of the indigenous wildlife in their unique bush environment as you witness these famousAustralian animals going about their daily lives. A short, easy stroll along a bushland pathway will bring you close to the Australian bush and its placid wildlife. A short drive from Serendip, venture into the Brisbane Ranges National Park to walk among the gum trees and search for koalas in their naturaleucalyptus forest habitats. Visit a koala study area where research is being carried out into the behavior of these beautiful, charismatic marsupials. While there is no guarantee of sighting these animals in the wild, this tour enjoys a 95% success rate.Hopefully, the weather will improve. Here’s a preview of coming attractions… Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb #4, this time at night…..

As to the ferry remarks, there are some of us,that can only afford to take "short" cruises as opposed to those living on board,however WE really enjoy the privilege of this ability and will savour our time aboard.

Shame that you do not appreciate your (good forune?) in being able to laze your life away, plus indulge in costly ship tours like repeat /very costly/bridge climbs.

Hey jeff I know that you did not work hard to have the ability to make choices, and that you do not appreciate your travel---OOOOOOOpppsss you get to make choices and your CHOICE WAS TO TRAVEL.We need as many voices putting the customers view as we can. Jeff we want you to pass the information on your trips to all of us, so we can pick you brain. Thank you for making it easier for us to get the maximum out of our travels. I feel June and Guy have the right to their opinion as do YOU. The hotel manager gave the thought to discuss your concerns.Proving the concerns of Holland to make you and therefore all of us happy. A GREAT BIG THANKS FROM YOU TRAVEL FRIENDS ALLAN AND SANDRA

June & Guy,I don't have a problem with people taking short voyages. I have a problem with a voyage that was advertised and sold as a Grand Voyage with 2 segments later being sliced and diced into many short cruises. Is that what I bought? Nope! As far as appreciating my good fortune.... you have no idea.....